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tips & Tricks

Maintaining Concrete Balconies:

Properly drained balconies should dry out quickly after a rainfall. Carpeting and other floor coverings absorb water and keep it in contact with the concrete. Moisture is needed for corrosion to occur, so coverings that keep concrete wet can promote corrosion. Associations should discourage owners from placing carpets and other absorbing materials on their balconies. Additionally, if a mat is desired use a breathable style floor mat (See image below).

Railings for Concrete Balconies:

Many older balconies are constructed with core mounted railings that are set in embedment cups cast into the concrete slab. This detail provides a path for moisture to penetrate into the concrete and cause corrosion of the railings, cups, and reinforcing steel. Thermal movement eventually causes the concrete to exert forces outward and the surrounding concrete cracks. Spalling of concrete at balcony edges is a common result (See image below).

Aluminum railings and the surrounding cut out cores increase the potential for corrosion. If the aluminum touches the rebar (which is steel), corrosion as a result of dissimilar metals is likely to occur. The use of surface mounted railings (shown below) is recommended if your budget allows for replacement.